Which is better, .080 or .095 trimmer line?
For the Craftsman 358795300 gas line trimmer, .080 inch line is the better choice because it is the specified size for this model; using .095 inch line can prevent proper line feeding and can increase the risk of injury. For best cutting performance, stick with the line diameter listed in the owner's manual.
What changes when you go from .080 to .095
Line diameter affects how the trimmer head feeds line, how cleanly it cuts, and how hard the engine has to work.
- Feeding/advance: thicker line can bind in the spool and may not advance correctly
- Cutting feel: thicker line hits harder but can be less precise for edging
- Engine load: thicker line increases drag, which can reduce RPM and make the trimmer feel sluggish
- Wear: thicker line can increase wear on the trimmer head and line limiter
Best choice for model 358795300
This model is designed for a 17-inch cutting path and .080 inch line. If you want longer line life, you will get better results by improving technique and tune-up items rather than oversizing the line.
Quick comparison
| Feature | .080 inch line (recommended) | .095 inch line |
|---|---|---|
| Correct for Craftsman 358795300 | Yes | No |
| Line advance reliability | High | Often poor |
| Best use | General trimming, edging | Heavy weeds (on trimmers designed for it) |
| Risk of head issues | Low | Higher |
Tips to make .080 line last longer
- Run less than full throttle for light trimming and around hard objects
- Let the tip of the line do the cutting; do not “crowd” the line into the work
- Tap the head on grass, not concrete or asphalt, to advance line
- Keep the guard/shield installed so the line limiter can control length
- If the engine runs rough or lacks power, follow a tune-up routine (fuel, filter, carb settings)
Why it matters
Using the correct line diameter helps the bump-feed system advance line consistently, keeps the cutting length within the line limiter’s design, and reduces strain on the engine and trimmer head.
Last updated: February 2026
Who makes the best .095 trimmer line?
For the Craftsman 358795300 gas line trimmer, we do not recommend using .095-inch line. This model is designed for .080-inch (2 mm) trimmer line; using thicker line can prevent proper line advance and increase wear or safety risk. Confirm the correct line spec in the 358795300 owner's manual.
Best choice for this model (what to buy)
Use high-quality .080-inch round or twisted line from a major brand (Craftsman, STIHL, Husqvarna, Echo). With this trimmer, the “best” line is the one that feeds smoothly through the head and holds up to your cutting conditions.
What to look for in .080 line
- Correct diameter: .080 in. (2 mm)
- Material: premium nylon (often labeled “commercial” or “professional”)
- Shape: round for smooth feeding; twisted for quieter cutting; square for aggressive cutting (can wear faster)
- Freshness: newer line is less brittle than old, dried-out line
- Right length: keep line at the maximum allowed by the line limiter
If you still want .095 line
If you need .095 line for heavy weeds, that typically points to using a different trimmer head or a higher-capacity trimmer designed for thicker line. For this Craftsman model, staying with .080 line delivers the best performance and reliability.
Why it matters
Line diameter affects feeding, engine load, and cut quality. The manual warns that using sizes other than .080 in. can keep the line from advancing properly and can create a safety hazard.
Quick comparison
| Line size | Fit for Craftsman 358795300 | What you can expect |
|---|---|---|
| .080 in. | Recommended | Smooth feed, correct RPM load, best overall results |
| .095 in. | Not recommended | Poor feed, more drag, faster head wear, higher risk |
Tip for better cutting and fewer line problems
Follow the correct bump-feed technique: run at full throttle and tap the head lightly on grass (not concrete). For a tune-up approach that also improves cutting power, use our how to tune up a grass line trimmer video.
Last updated: February 2026
What size is the 358795300 fuel line?
For the Craftsman line trimmer model 358795300, the operator’s manual does not list a fuel line inside diameter or outside diameter. In practice, this type of 2-cycle trimmer typically uses small fuel tubing in the 1/8 inch ID range; confirm the exact size by measuring the old line or matching it to the tank and carburetor fittings shown in the 358795300 owner’s manual.
How to confirm the correct fuel line size
We recommend sizing the line by fit, not by guesswork, because a line that is too large can leak and a line that is too small can restrict fuel flow.
- Remove the old fuel line (or a short sample) and bring it to your workbench.
- Measure the inside diameter (ID) with calipers; then measure the outside diameter (OD).
- Test-fit the line on the fuel tank grommet outlet and the carburetor inlet; it should slide on firmly.
- Check for cracking, stiffness, or swelling; replace if any are present.
- After installation, pressure-check by filling the tank and watching for seepage before starting.
Typical sizes you will see on small 2-cycle trimmers
These are common tubing sizes used across many 2-cycle handheld engines; use them as a starting point, then match to your fittings.
| Common tubing size (ID x OD) | When it’s typically used | What you’ll notice if it’s wrong |
|---|---|---|
| 1/8 in x 1/4 in | Many fuel supply/return runs | Too loose: wet fittings, fuel smell |
| 3/32 in x 3/16 in | Smaller fittings, tighter routing | Too tight: hard to install, kinks |
| 3/16 in x 5/16 in | Larger grommets or tank outlets | Too large: won’t seal at connections |
Why it matters
Correct fuel line sizing helps your 358795300 start easier, idle smoother, and avoid fuel leaks. A poor seal can also pull air into the fuel system, which often shows up as surging, stalling, or a “won’t start” condition.
If you are replacing fuel system parts at the same time, it is also smart to replace the in-tank fuel filter so the new line does not immediately pick up debris; the fuel filter 530095646 is a listed replacement part for this model.
Last updated: February 2026
How to replace line on Craftsman gas trimmer?
To replace the cutting line on your Craftsman 358795300 gas line trimmer, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire, remove the spool by pulling the tap button, then wind two 12.5 ft lengths of .080 in line onto the spool and reinstall it following the spool arrows (see the owner's manual).
Before you start (safety and setup)
- Push and hold the stop/off switch until the engine fully stops.
- Disconnect the spark plug lead wire before working near the trimmer head.
- Work on a clean surface so the spool, spring, and line do not get lost.
- Use only .080 in (2 mm) trimmer line; other sizes can feed poorly.
- Never use wire, rope, or string; they can break and become a hazard.
Step-by-step: replacing the line
- Remove the spool: Firmly pull on the tap button to remove the spool.
- Clean the hub and spool: Wipe debris off the hub and spool surfaces.
- Cut new line: Cut two lengths of line, 12.5 ft (3.8 m) each.
- Anchor the line ends: Insert each line end about 1/2 in (1 cm) into the small holes inside the spool.
- Wind the line: Wind evenly and tightly in the direction of the arrows on the spool.
- Set the notches: Push the line into the notches, leaving 3 to 5 in (7 to 12 cm) unwound.
- Reinstall: Feed the line through the hub exit holes and reinstall the spool.
Quick specs (what to use)
| Item | Spec for model 358795300 |
|---|---|
| Line diameter | .080 in (2 mm) |
| Line length to load | Two pieces, 12.5 ft (3.8 m) each |
| Typical line left out before install | 3 to 5 in (7 to 12 cm) |
Why it matters
Correct line diameter and even winding help the bump-feed advance about 2 in per tap at full throttle, reduce tangles inside the head, and prevent premature wear on the spool and hub.
Last updated: February 2026
Can I use .095 trimmer line?
No. For the Craftsman 358795300 gas line trimmer, we recommend using only .080 inch (2 mm) diameter trimmer line; .095 inch line is too thick to feed and advance correctly and can create a safety hazard. Follow the line size and loading directions in the owner's manual.
What happens if you use .095 line
Using oversized line commonly causes these problems:
- Line will not advance when you tap the trimmer head
- Line binds in the spool and breaks more often
- Excessive wear on the trimmer head and line limiter
- Poor cutting performance because the head cannot feed smoothly
- Increased risk of debris being thrown if the line breaks or whips
Quick size check (what to buy)
| Line diameter | Works on model 358795300? | What you can expect |
|---|---|---|
| .080 in (2.0 mm) | Yes | Proper bump-feed advance and normal cutting |
| .095 in (2.4 mm) | No | Feed jams, poor advance, higher wear and risk |
Tips to get smooth line advance
Even with the correct .080 line, these habits help the bump-feed work reliably:
- Run the engine at full throttle when advancing line
- Tap the bottom of the trimmer head lightly on grass (not concrete or asphalt)
- Keep the shield installed so the line limiter can set the correct maximum length
- If line is worn down to about 2 inches, expect to tap more than once to restore length
Why it matters
This trimmer head is designed around a specific line diameter so the spool can release line in controlled increments. Oversized line changes how the spool feeds and can prevent proper advance, which leads to jams, extra wear, and unsafe line breakage.
Last updated: February 2026





